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Difficulty: MediumSpace to the Sides

You are operating a loaded van-trailer across an open bridge during gusty weather conditions. As your combination exits the wind-shielded section of the bridge abutment into an exposed crosswind area, what should you do to maintain proper space to the sides?

  1. A
    Crowd the windward edge of the lane early to counteract anticipated trailer off-tracking from the gust.
  2. Firmly grip the steering wheel, anticipate lateral wind push, and keep the vehicle centered within the lane.Answer
  3. C
    Reduce following distance behind the preceding vehicle so its slipstream blocks side winds from hitting the trailer.
  4. D
    Engage the engine retarder immediately to scrub speed rapidly whenever lateral air turbulence is encountered.

Answer

Firmly grip the steering wheel, anticipate lateral wind push, and keep the vehicle centered within the lane.
Keeping the vehicle centered within the lane ensures an equal defensive cushion on both sides. When emerging from sheltered structures into open crosswinds, maintaining a firm steering grip allows the driver to counter sudden lateral displacement without drifting into adjacent lanes or shoulder barriers.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the side-space hazard when transitioning past a wind-shielding structure.
Recognize that emerging into open crosswinds applies sudden lateral aerodynamic pressure against high-sided commercial vehicles.
Commercial box trailers act like sails, making vehicles susceptible to lateral displacement when leaving sheltered areas.
2
Determine the proper lane positioning and defensive control response.
Maintain a firm grip on the steering wheel and keep the combination centered within the travel lane.
Centering the vehicle maintains an equal safety buffer on both the left and right sides to handle sudden gusts safely.

Key Concept

Maintaining vehicle lane centering and steering control to protect lateral space cushions against crosswinds.
Estimated Time:1m 0s
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Topics

Space to the Sides

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